Full FeedReview: Zagg’s Z.buds for iPhone
The company behind invisibleSHIELDs recently introduced the $79.99 Z.buds for the iPhone, and showed them off at CES. We finally got a chance to listen to them and like what we hear. The new earbuds have a tangle-free cord that comes in red or black, has an inline volume control, and has an inline microphone for talking on the phone as well. The cord is made to be worn around your neck so they don’t get ripped out of your ears like normal earbuds do every once in a while. Apparently the Z.buds are very similar to a product Rivet used to carry, but we’re glad to see Zagg decided to add them to their ZAGGaudio line-up.
Tangle-free cord
You know how regular headphones and earbuds get all twisted and wrapped up every time you put them in your bag or pocket? The Z.buds have a nylon-wrapped cord so this does not happen. The tangle-free cord is not just a gimmick… it actually works as promised. The cord has a goofy split in the middle where they change from one cord to two (see picture), but it’s not a big deal, and does not get in the way.
You know how when you get your starched shirts back from the cleaners? Right when you get the Z.buds, that’s how the cord is. It’s not very flexible, but I guess that’s the trade-off of having a tangle-free cord.
Adjustable beads
Zagg thought this one through. As I mentioned, the buds are made to be worn around your neck. Since there are basically infinite ways to position the cord around your neck, they added movable beads on there so you can situate it as you please. Too tight? Loosen it up!
With that, I must say it took me a few seconds to figure out how to put them on. The confusing design makes sense once you figure it out (see picture below), but is confusing as hell right when you take them out of the box. Once you move the beads into a comfortable spot, it all starts to make sense.
How do they fit?
Let me start out by saying that earbuds do not normally fit me well unless they come with changeable buds. Thankfully, the Z.buds fit like a charm. The set comes with 4 pairs of buds so you can customize them as you must. I can definitely see myself wearing these for working out, sitting at my desk, and talking on my iPhone. The buds are comfortable, and don’t put any unnecessary weight on my ears since the cords are made to sit around your neck.
I’m not an audiophile, so comfort is the most important factor for me. The Z.buds by Zagg’s ZAGGaudio division exceeded my expectations, and I recommend them.
Durability
I have only had the Z.buds for a week or so at this point, so I cannot speak for the durability. I did however take a look around the web and find that some are having issues with the plastic earbuds splitting in half after a short amount of time. Have any problems with the Z.buds? Tell us about it below.
Overall
The Z.buds sound great, look stylish, and have a tangle-free cord. They also have an inline volume control and microphone for use with the iPhone. The adjustable beads allow you to position the cord around your neck in the fashion that fits you comfortably. Based on my experience with them, I recommend the Zagg Z.buds.
Buy the Z.buds by Zagg? Tell us about your experience below…
See also:
- Appletell reviews ZAGG Audio Z.buds for iPhone
Product [Z.buds from Zagg]
Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - 
Subscribe to our feed
Macworld 2010
"Apple may not be at Macworld 2010, but Appletell is, bringing you news, photos and videos directly from the show floor and special events. Join us February 10-14 to see what new products 2010 has in store for Macintosh, iPhone, iPod and iPad (yes, iPad) owners."
Palm Pre Information & Updates
Palm just introduced their next-gen smartphone, the Palm Pre, and next-gen operating system, Palm webOS. Gadgetell's got the latest Pre and webOS information and news for you right here.
I bought the Z-Buds on Nov. 26th 2008. They broke on January 7th, 2009. The button on the phone switch broke! How can anyone mishandle a button??? Did you know if you buy them - you have a 30 day warranty only! If they break after 30 days it is your problem! Would anyone ever buy something brand new with a 30 day warranty??
Here is how ZAGG deals with you. (I tried to call but the support line has never answered - period. I just tried again for 40mins and gave up)
Customer Message:
My z-Buds which were ordered as soon as you made them available no longer function correctly. The switch which controls music and phone no longer works. How can I get this fixed or replaced? I don’t have the order number but I have placed 3 orders with you in the past so you should be able to look my account up.
***** Response *****
Thank you for contacting ZAGG, home of the invisibleSHIELD! My name is Jenn and I appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
I understand that you would like a refund for the Z.buds (Black) that you purchased on November 26th, 2008. Regrettably, in order to receive a refund or a replacement on the Z.buds, it must be postmarked within thirty days of your original purchase date. You can find our policy on this on our website at:
Buy what you like - but this is junk and their support is junk - Good luck
on January 16, 2009 at 04:35 PM - LINKI’m Cameron and I’m with ZAGG. I apologize for your experience and want to help remedy this situation. Please contact me at 800-700-9244 x116 and I’ll get you taken care of. We stand by our products and will make sure you get a replacement.
on January 16, 2009 at 06:20 PM - LINKI figured I would update this review based on new events. Not related to Cameron (See Below)
After writing this post, I also went back to the ZAGG website and found a button which was titled something like ‘Send your feedback to the CEO’ or something like it. I did that and explained my thought and opinions of his product. On January 19th, I received an email (which I’m sorry to say, I can’t locate) which apologized for my inconvenience and informed me that a new replacement pair was on the way. I received an order confirmation on January 19th. On January 27th, I received a ‘notice of delay in shipment’ (which I did not mind). On February 27th I received shipping Confirmation. The replacements were delivered on February 25th.
Well it is now March 5th and I’m sad to say that once again THE BUTTON BROKE and cap on the jack pulled off. My iphone is kept in my jacket ‘Cell phone/MP3 player pocket’ and is turned on during the walk and train ride into the office (about 25 minutes). I do unplug the headphones every evening so I can hear my phone if I’m in a different room. I have 3 pairs of earbuds that have worked for years on various music players/cell phones without a problem. I just wanted the in-line volume control.
Cameron,
The man who called you January 18th and left you a VM regarding replacing my earbuds because of a broken switch was me. YOU ARE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! You have ONE Job, respond to the customer!! If ANYBODY calls you DIRECTLY and IDENTIFIES you by name - YOU SHOULD CALL THEM BACK!! - IF YOU MENTALLY HANDICAPPED THEN I APOLOGIZE
It sickens me to think that I actual paid money for junk from a company that apparently doesn’t even use the product they sell, otherwise, they would have noticed the rather basic problem. These ‘earbuds of disaster’ are going in the garbage along with my short lived relationship with ZAGG.
on March 5, 2009 at 05:27 PM - LINKI have had 3 pairs of Z buds now in just 6 months. Each took a month to come and worked for less than a month. Today, my third pair broke. I sent ZAGG a message letting them know I dont want another pair I just want to fix this one. Each pair ive had so far has not lasted a month. These are really high quality headphones but definitely the least durable headphones Ive ever had. Im a semi audiophile so I do appreciate good sound and these deliver. Just not for long. Well. Thats my story.Ill ztick to ZAGG for the invisible shield. I can get skull candy headphones for 10$ with the same sound quality as the z buds if not better , just has no good shape but they last long. Im going to operate on these z buds ill keep posted if I have any luck at all. In the meantime.. Skull CANDY all day!
on May 18, 2009 at 08:23 PM - LINK